Hyssop

Hyssop is a pretty, shiny lanced-shaped leaved herb growing to two feet. Bluish-pink flowers bloom in later summer. Very aromatic leaves, reminiscent of basil; flowers are used in potpourris. Medicinally, Hyssop is used for colds, flu, and bronchitis as it has some anti-viral properties. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Hyssopus officinalis

Perennial, zones 4-9

Germination:  7-21 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-70ºF

Seed Planting Depth:  Sow ¼” deep

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost. Provide 60-70ºF soil temperature for germination. Sow a few seeds per individual cell or pot, thin to the strongest seedling or start in a 20-row tray, then transplant into larger cells/pots/containers. Transplant outside after the last frost, 12-18" apart.

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow around the last frost date or in the fall. Sow seeds close together in a row, 1-2" apart and when thinning out the seedlings transplant them to other places in the garden. 

Growth Habit: Semi-evergreen with shrubby, upright branches

Height and Width: 18-24” x 18-24”

Spacing: 12-18” apart   

Light Needs: Full sun, tolerates partial shade 

Soil Needs: Hyssop needs average to fertile, well-drained soil

Flowering: 80-90 days

Harvest: Use fresh, dried or frozen. Flowers and leaves. The whole plant as blooming begins, tie in bundles and hang upside down in a dark warm place or room with good airflow until dry, 3-6 days

Uses: Medicinal, culinary, ornamental- hedges, borders, containers, drought tolerant, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds            

Care: Prune in spring to encourage branching, prune after blooming - to renew foliage or to shape if foliage gets leggy, promotes blooming the following season. Pinch seedlings back to encourage branching. Does like to be overwatered.  Deadheading is not necessary but promotes more blooms.